Sandra‘s Closet

Pack a slice of Asia wherever you go and beat the heat with the most stylish leather and horn fans, you might have ever seen! Handmade by skilled artisans and inspired by the market stalls of Java, Putri Soediono launched Pubumésu, after cutting her teeth designing theatrical accessories for Vivienne Westwood.

Putri Soediono

A third culture kid with a traditional and eccentric Asian upbringing, she holds a degree in Fashion Accessories from London Cordwainers. For her designs, that also include bags, she combines the traditional shadow puppet making of her native Indonesia with a passion for statement pieces.

Banana leaf printed leather and horn fan

Conch shells printed leather and horn fan

Watermelon leather fan

Pineapple printed leather and horn fan

Here you can enjoy some photos of the outstanding craftsmanship that goes into the fans. Every cut, stitch, shaping, forming, and treatment is conducted in the brand’s Indonesia – based factory, involving a team of classically skilled craftsmen and women, dedicated to the art of leather craft.

The team uses 100% tanned leather from cattle locally sourced on the island of Java, that is carefully treated to provide you the signature distressed look for that little edge of punk. The outcome, an entirely handcrafted piece of leather accessory you can call your own.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Pubumésu, Instagram @pubumesu

Munich-based designers Johnny Talbot and Adrian Runhof left careers in engineering and fashion consulting to launch their own label, which is defined by luxurious fabrics and elegant silhouettes.

After Munich, Dusseldorf and Berlin, TALBOT RUNHOF finally opened their first exclusive salon in Switzerland in partnership with Maison Gassmann, a local fashion institution since 1882, that has carried the brand since many years. To celebrate the occasion, an opening party took place that was a lot of fun!

With Johnny Talbot (left) and Adrian Runhof (right) at the opening party.

The interior design of the new store by Patrick Ferrier makes customer feel like they are at home.  It blends in perfectly with the beautiful location – the medieval «House to the Golden Sheep» in the old town of Zurich. Warm purple and gold tones create an elegant atmosphere alongside the original wooden floors and cool retro chandeliers. On the ground floor, you can find the whole collection, including beautiful evening wear with flattering gathered details and rich colors, while the basement serves as a generous VIP area for the ultimate and discreet shopping experience.

«We are part-time Swiss,» says Adrian Runhof, «so it was on top of our bucket list to finally open a boutique in Zurich. With Katja and Michael Hahnloser we have ideal partners and longtime friends to realize this dream.»

Adrian, you have been living in Switzerland now for almost a decade? Why did you move here and how do you like it?

I live predominately in Munich but happily spend a considerable amount of time in Switzerland. For approximately the last 10 years, we have a wonderful apartment overlooking Lake Zurich where we often go hiking and swimming, preferably with our border terrier, Cooper. Without a doubt, Switzerland has an unbeatable quality of life… quality of air… quality of nature… quality of EVERYTHING…

Zurich marks the opening of your 4th store and the first one in Switzerland. You opened it in partnership with Maison Gassmann that have been carrying your designs since many years. Can you tell me a little bit about the story behind?

Katja and Michael Hahnloser from Maison Gassmann have been been carrying TALBOT RUNHOF in the their boutique for many years now. What started as a business relationship has developed into a very close friendship. They are young, cool, creative and enthusiastic; always up for a challenge.

How would you describe the Swiss fashion/clothing style compared to other PoS for example? Is the buying different from your other stores?

Our swiss customers are definitely risk takers… always looking for that special piece. That statement piece. That piece that requires a keen eye for fashion.

Choosing my outfit for the opening night with Johnny & Adrian.

TALBOT RUNHOF is known for creating amazing bespoke gowns. Can the Swiss ladies meet you in person from time to time?  Do you offer the same service as in Munich for example?

Now that we have a boutique in Zurich, the frequency with which I have a bowl of pasta at BINDELLA, go swimming at the HÜTTENSEE or simply hang out in our boutique in SCHIPFE 4 has increased dramatically. For me it is that perfect balance of work and pleasure.

Our wonderful team in our boutique in Zurich offers exactly the same service as in our other three boutiques in Germany… what a lot of people do not know is that TALBOT RUNHOF is a 100% MADE IN GERMANY product. So if a dress is not available in your size or color, more often that not, we can make it within a reasonable amount of time.

In love with my TALBOT RUNHOF jumpsuit in silver.

How can I imagine the creative process between you two?

Over the last almost 30 years, Johnny and I have developed a very special way of working together. We never went to fashion school. We never learned how to be fashion designers. It’s a very unconventional yet intuitive ping pong game we play, batting around an idea until we feel it is right for the TALBOT RUNHOF customer.

Who would you love to see in your dresses? 

For us, our customers are the real celebrities.

Thank you, Adrian, for your time and insider on the Zurich store opening.

I have been a big fan of TALBOT RUNHOF since the beginning. Originally, the company, founded in 1992, was called «All About Eve». In 2000, it was renamed in TALBOT RUNHOF, to match the faces behind and due to trademark issues, as Wolfgang Joop had already launched a perfume of the same name on the market.

The designer duo catered to the huge demand for modern evening dresses in the ’90s and built up a core of loyal customers over the years. Their small store and atelier in Munich was located close to ESMOD, where I studied fashion design at that time and I always admired their work as a young student. So you can imagine, that it is a real honor that our paths have crossed over the years again and again… businesswise and privately.

Talbot Runhof Boutique Zurich
Schipfe 4, 8001 Zurich
Phone +41 44 533 88 04
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10 am to 6.30 pm
Saturday 10am to 5pm

TO SHOP TALBOT RUNHOF ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Part of the family, Cooper, the cutest dog ever!

Photos: © Talbot Runhof and © Sandra Bauknecht

On Thursday evening, the Houses of CHANEL, FENDI (LVMH) and KARL LAGERFELD all came together at the Grand Palais in Paris to pay tribute to Karl Lagerfeld at a celebration designed, directed and staged by Robert Carsen.

The many facets of this extraordinary man were evoked through a tapestry of videos filmed throughout his life, interspersed with testimonials from people who knew him, as well as the generous «live» contributions of highly talented actors, musicians, dancers who interpreted some of the music and literature Karl loved so much.

Charlotte Casiraghi, H.R.H. Princess of Hanover, Andrea Casiraghi and Madame Emmanuel Macron paying tribute to Karl Lagerfeld.

Actresses Tilda Swinton, Fanny Ardant, Cara Delevingne and Helen Mirren, friends of Karl Lagerfeld, recited and read excerpts from works by his favourite authors, such as Virginia Woolf, Stéphane Mallarmé, Colette and Edith Sitwell.

Pianist Lang Lang at Karl Forever at the Grand Palais in Paris.

The extraordinary Jookin dancer Lil Buck, the brilliant violinist Charlie Siem (who played Paganini, one of the favourite composers of Karl Lagerfeld’s mother Elizabeth), Argentinian choreographer German Cornejo, accompanied by his troupe of 17 tango dancers and his 7-piece orchestra from Buenos Aires (Carlos Gardel was Karl Lagerfeld’s favourite singer and the tango was his favourite dance), the celebrated pianist Lang Lang (who played Chopin on the grand piano designed by Karl Lagerfeld for the 150th anniversary of Steinway), and American artist Pharrell Williams were also on stage to pay homage to the man who had deeply marked them and who was their friend.

The Steinway designed by Karl Lagerfeld on display.

These artists – as well as the 2,500 guests present at the Grand Palais to celebrate Karl Lagerfeld – were immersed in a spectacular exhibition of 56 giant enlargements of portraits taken throughout his life by some of the most famous photographers in a setting designed by Robert Carsen, inspired by Karl’s favourite colours: black and white enhanced with a touch of red.

In turn, the participants also paid tribute to the aesthete, this man of culture, photographer, creator… in an exceptional moment as grand as his talent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Karl Lagerfeld, © Luc Castel and Julio Piatti

A must for every fashion and ballet lover. This upcoming Saturday and Sunday will see the performance of Svetlana Zakharova’s program MODANSE of two one-act ballets: «Come Un Respiro» (Like Breath) and the premiere of «Gabrielle Chanel» at the Bolshoi Theatre on the famous historic stage in Moscow.

Inside the famous Bolshoi Theater.

The latter is the creative work of the congenial trio of Yuri Posokhov (choreography), Ilya Demutsky (composition) and Alexey Frandetti (director and writer) who created an homage to the life and work of Coco Chanel, her role as a revolutionist in the industry and her rise to become the queen of fashion. The main role of the late designer was created especially for the prima ballerina of the Bolshoi Theater and the Milan Scala, Svetlana Zakharova by the production company MuzArts and is tailor-made for her. Among the dancers are Denis Savin, Jacopo Tissi, Mikhail Lobukhin, Vyacheslav Lopatin, and Ana Turazashvili.

Hotel Metropol Moscow, seen from the Bolshoi Theater.

If you want to visit the ballet in Moscow, I recommend staying at the Metropol Hotel that is located on the opposite side of Teatralnaya Ploshchad (Theatre Square) from the main building of the Bolshoi Theatre. Following the traditions of the founder of the hotel, the patron of art Savva Mamontov, the Metropol Hotel Moscow supports another world premiere of the MODANSE series and hotel guests have the unique opportunity to buy tickets for the best seats.

Inside the newly renovated Metropol Hotel Moscow.

Reading the last autobiography of Coco Chanel, I got to know that she was a true philanthropist by providing significant financial support to the Diaghilev ballet. Like this, she truly showed her admiration for talent and art.

Coco Chanel with Ballets Russes dancer Serge Lifar.

The new ballet about Coco Chanel will be performed not only at the Bolshoi Theatre, but also in Paris, the city that cherishes the memory of the legendary Frenchwoman.

Two dancers of the Ballets Russes in costumes by Coco Chanel, from 1928. 

While you are reading this, I am on my way to London to see «The Mother», a powerful narrative dance production based on Hans Christian Andersen‘s dark tale, choreographed by Arthur Pita and starring Natalia Osipova, the famous Russian ballerina, who is currently performing as a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet in London. So excited…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hotel Metropol, Bolshoi, CHANEL and Sasha/V&A Images

Deriving its name from the Latin term for «sense and emotion,» RATIO ET MOTUS only launched in 2018, yet New York-based Angela Wang and Daniel Li, the creative minds behind the brand, are already making waves with their cult pieces. Their classic and artful handbags immediately caught the attention of NET-A-PORTER’s fashion buyers who support the label as part of their Vanguard initiative, that is promoting new and rising talent in the industry.

The brand aims to produce products with considered design details utilizing Italian craftsmanship all while keeping longevity in mind. Being sustainable is important to them, therefore the duo only source leather from local Italian tanneries with a mission of low carbon footprint, minimum toxic wastage, low water consumption and ethical supply chain. All leathers used in the collections are by-products from the meat industry and the water repellent lining is made of vegan leather.

Look out for the unique «Disco» bag, which has modern details like specific slots for iPhones …

… or opt for my favorite, the «Twin Frame» leather tote. I adore its sleek, structured silhouette with the separate clutch at the front that can be unscrewed and used alone.

TO SEE AND SHOP ALL BAG MODELS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Ratio et Modus and Net-à-Porter

Norwegian designer Peter Dundas trained at Parsons in New York before moving to Paris in the early 1990s. He then moved to Italy where he worked his way to the top of Italian fashion, helming some of the country’s biggest design houses, such as Roberto Cavalli, Emilio Pucci and Emanuel Ungaro.

With Peter Dundas

 So it was only a matter of time before he gave fans what they wanted by launching his own eponymous label. He made the announcement in such a cool yet unconventional way, debuting his first designs with three custom-made looks for Beyoncé at the 2017 Grammy Awards, who was pregnant with twins at that time.

Beyoncé in Dundas at the 2017 Grammy Awards

Created with partner Evangelo Bousis, the brand is inspired by the duo’s travels and the glamorous, jetsetting women in their inner circle. Dundas’s designs became a red-carpet favourite thanks to his brand of high-octane glamour that championed feminine silhouettes and intricate embellishments – an aesthetic he carries through to his own label. The selection of thigh-skimming dresses, suits, and separates are a study in dramatic decadence.

You can shop Dundas at NET-A-PORTER, MATCHESFASHION, FARFETCH and MYTHERESA.
Here are some of my favorites available at the moment:

Ruched sequined tulle and lace mini dress by Dundas

Embroidered chiffon mini dress by Dundas

Lace-paneled embellished silk-georgette mini dress by Dundas

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dundas, Vogue and © Sandra Bauknecht

Breaking news at today’s amFAR gala at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc where H&M is announcing their newest designer collaborator Giambattista Valli. Ladies, you have to be ready this weekend. The flash collection, consisting of limited edition party dresses for his Valli girls, and, in a first, tailoring for Valli boys, will already hit the shelves in select H&M stores around the world and on the H&M website on Saturday, May 25. Speaking of firsts, never before has the Swedish clothing brand released a designer collaboration so close to the announcement; typically there’s been six months between the news breaking and the clothes arriving in stores, and never before have they worked with someone doing couture.

Kendall Jenner and Chiara Ferragni tonight at the amFAR

Personally speaking, I find these designer collaborations quite over and fully understand that H&M was looking for new ways to promote this so-called Project Love. Therefore tonight at the amFAR gala, Kendall Jenner, Chiara Ferragni, Bianca Brandolini, Chris Lee [Li Yuchun], H.E.R., and Ross Lynch are wearing the new pieces, transforming the red carpet into a fashion runway. With Kendall’s 111 million Instagram fans and Chiara’s 16.5 million watching, the launch is off to a great start.

H.E.R. in Giambattista Valli x H&M

The larger collection will follow on November 7, 2019. Stay tuned! In the meantime enjoy the looks below. You will see how beautiful the dresses are, quite pricey for H&M though, but better think twice wearing it to the next gala as you might spot many ladies in the same dress.

LoL, Sandra

Look 1 – CHF 349.00

Look 2 – CHF 649.00

Look 3 – Top CHF 179.00 and Skirt CHF 129.00

Look 4 – CHF 649.00

Look 5 – CHF 249.00

Look 6 – CHF 499.00

Look 7 – Blazer CHF 249.00 and Pants CHF 119.00

Look 8 – Blazer CHF 249.00 and Shorts CHF 79.95

Look 9 – Top CHF 49.95 and Shorts CHF 79.95

Photos: Courtesy of H&M

Here is your mid-of-the-week fashion-fix. Indulge in these new evening bags by 13 BC, amazing miniaudières that are each made from gold-tone and enamel. They’re great if you’re looking for a fab clutch to match an outfit or if you simply want to add one to your bag collection.

The story behind this new bag brand is pretty fascinating and different. Before launching 13 BC in 2018, Cherine Magrabi Tayeb was as a guest curator at museums, which inspired her to create these limited-edition pieces that bridge the gap between art and fashion. Every collection consists of 13 meticulously detailed bags, each handmade in Florence by expert craftspeople using ancient enameling techniques.

Born to an Egyptian–Saudi father and a Lebanese mother, the lithe, blonde, and blue-eyed Magrabi was raised in Jeddah. She also lived in Switzerland and the UK before moving to Beirut with her husband and their three sons in 2002.

TO SHOP MINAUDIERES BY 13 BC, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Net-à-Porter, and via Instagram @cherinemagrabi

I am always on the search for outstanding talent in the fashion industry. Therefore I would like to introduce you to Christos Costarellos. Flowing fabrics, floral prints, delicate embroideries, lace appliqués and an amazing sense for colour are in the DNA of the Athens-based designer. His romantic language tells a story about every dress that is created with moulage and couture techniques inspired by ancient Greek mythology and infused with a youthful, bohemian edge.

«The creative process I follow forms a bridge that connects elements from the past, making them relevant to the present as they project ideas for the future.»
Christos Costarellos

Wearing Costarellos last month in New York (for the outfit post, click here please).

Born in Duesseldorf, Germany, he was introduced to the fashion world at an early age, as his parents both worked in this industry. He studied fashion design at Dimitrelis School of Fashion in Greece and then theater costume design at the London College of Fashion, England before founding his eponymous brand in 1998.

During Paris Fashion Week, I visited Christos in his showroom at the Westin Paris Vendôme and meeting him in person was a true pleasure. He has such an amazing personality and welcomed me with open arms. His passion for craftsmanship, fabrics and colours is contagious. After showing me a video of the quality of his production in Greece and the special creative techniques for the fabric of the dress below, I was really blown me away.

Costarellos F/W 2019

Therefore it is natural that from the beginning, Christos Costarellos has worked with an exclusive clientele, who deeply appreciate his fine tailoring and finishing details. By 2000, his production line was enriched with two new ateliers, which provided the flow for the collections’ development and the unique bespoke creations.

Costarellos Bridal Wear (different seasons)

With a modern approach to timeless, romantic silhouettes, you should definitely check out his bridal wear even if you are not a bride to be. Everyone looks great in a white gown at a black tie event…

Costarellos F/W 2019

Costarellos is on the right path. After many designers struggle to keep haute couture alive, he meets the women’s demand for high-quality clothes at prices way below couture level. His so-called «Nouvelle Couture» is for me a modern way to being sustainable; investing in a beautiful gown that lasts. I would love to declare fast fashion dead!

Costarellos F/W 2019

Many seem to be in accord with me. Meghan Markle is a huge fan! A worldwide distribution network with more than 50 selling points around the globe such as Net-à-Porter, Moda Operandi, Mytheresa, and Harrods are proof of Christos Costarellos’ dignified presence in the fashion industry! In Zurich available at Maison Gassmann.

Below you can enjoy some more photos that I took in the showroom. The beautiful F/W 2019 collection will hit the stores in September 2019 – #costarellosdreamers.

LoL, Sandra

Costarellos F/W 2019 (have a look at the sleeves below – such great craftsmanship)

Photos: Courtesy of Costarellos – Instagram @costarellos
and © Sandra Bauknecht

During London Fashion Week, adidas Originals has unveiled its third collaboration with an emerging female fashion designer. This time, the brand has teamed up with Ji Won Choi for a 17-piece women’s ready-to-wear collection that his inspired by her Korean heritage. She revamped adidas’ classic tracksuit with hues of lavender, blue, red, green and pink. The brand’s three stripes were also used in more parts of the garments, creating a sense of movement.

One to watch: upcoming Korean designer Ji Won Choi

Born in Seoul, raised in the Midwest USA, educated in New York City and Paris, and having worked in Milan, Ji Won Choi’s work revolves around investigating human cultures and using design to promote positive change within societies. Her thesis collection, EXCESSIVISM, was the winner of Kering Empowering Imagination Award and several other contests as well as featured in various international publications such as Forbes, WWD and Vogue. Her work has been displayed at Bergdorf Goodman in New York and at New York Textile Month. In 2017, she was awarded the «Ones to Watch» Award by Fashion Scout.

I am sure we will se a lot more of Ji Won Choi’s talent in the near future…
TO SHOP ADIDAS ORIGINALS BY JI WON CHOI, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of adidas Originals